About Us
About Us
Pella Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a community-driven martial arts academy dedicated to helping people of all ages build confidence, resilience, and skill through disciplined training. Founded with humble beginnings and a strong sense of purpose, the gym has grown into a welcoming space where beginners and experienced practitioners train side by side.
We offer instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and kickboxing, with programs designed for kids, adults, hobbyists, and competitors alike. Whether your goal is self-defense, fitness, or competition, our coaching emphasizes practical technique, mental toughness, and continuous growth.
At our core, Pella BJJ is about more than martial arts. As a nonprofit organization, we are committed to serving our community—supporting veterans, first responders, and families by providing a positive, structured environment where people can challenge themselves and support one another.
We believe that everyone can benefit from stepping on the mat, and we strive to create a culture where hard work, respect, and perseverance lead to lasting personal development.
Our Instructors
Daniel Robbins
Black Belt BJJ
Black Belt Shinkendo
Black Belt Bojutsu
Black Belt Toyama Ryu
Black Belt Akido
Brown Belt Judo
Daniel Robbins is an Army veteran who began training in martial arts at 13, studying Japanese disciplines under a dojo affiliated with Sensei Obata Toshishiro. He earned black belts in Aikido, Shinkendo, and Toyama Ryu before serving as a combat medic in the U.S. Army (2008–2012), completing two deployments to Afghanistan and receiving the Bronze Star with Valor. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant.
After his service, Daniel returned to martial arts, focusing on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and earned a Bachelor of Science from Upper Iowa University. He trained extensively, including a year at the University of Jiu Jitsu in San Diego, and later at Victory MMA under Jocko Willink and Dean Lister. In 2023, he received his BJJ black belt from Jason Clarke. Daniel remains passionate about training and teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and combat martial arts.
Matt Trout
Brown Belt BJJ
Matthew Trout began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2018 while stationed in South Korea, starting in a small on-base gym and competing in Seoul later that year. He continued training and competing while stationed in Oklahoma and returned to Korea in 2019, earning his blue belt that same year.
After leaving active duty in 2020, he moved to Pella, Iowa, commuting long distances to train until co-founding Pella BJJ in 2021 with friends. What began in a garage grew into a community-focused gym. In 2025, he earned his brown belt under Daniel Robbins and continues to train, teach, and support others through BJJ.
Rylen Priest
Brown Belt BJJ
Black Belt Judo
Rylen Priest is a judo black belt of the 1st degree. He started training at the age of 9 in 2010 in Altoona, Iowa in the garage of his instructor Brett Parkhill. He trained with Sensei Parkhill at what is now Des Moines Judo and Sambo for 8 years reaching the 1st degree of black in 2018. He has trained in several grappling sports including Sambo and Jiu Jitsu, but Judo has been his main source of experience.
Rylan earned his Brown in BJJ Aug 2025
Our Media
926 Opportunity Place, Pella Iowa 50219
